NATO to fund modern rehabilitation centre

KABUL (Pajhwok): A new rehabilitation centre to treat wounded military and civilians will be set up at Kabul National Military Hospital (KNMH), the NATO Resolute Support mission announced on Saturday.

A statement from the mission said the $54M facility would treat 100 patients and offer a full range of physiotherapy services to military and civilian patients, both male and female.

Living quarters for 20 female students attending the Afghanistan Academy for Medical Sciences will be part of the building. A request for proposals will be issued later this year for construction and a target date for completion in late 2019.

The NATO senior civilian representative, said: "In close partnership with the Afghan government, we are working to build increasingly effective, sustainable and affordable Afghan security forces and institutions that are organised, equipped and capable of providing security for all Afghans."

Cornelius Zimmermann added: "This facility is yet another example of the investment and commitment by NATO nations and partners to enable the Afghan government to provide necessary services."

Gen. John Nicholson, Resolute Support mission commander. said: "This will be the leading-edge rehabilitation facility in the country."

The men and women of the Afghan military and police were on the front lines in the fight against terrorism, he said, adding the fighting had been tough and they have taken casualties.

"This facility will be a major addition to the country's ability to provide high-quality care and treatment for their wounded, and an important learning institution for Afghan practitioners."

With $27M commitment, Canada is the largest donor to the project. Other nations are in the process of finalising arrangements to provide the remainder of funds.